Arthroscopic treatment of temporomandibular joint sepsis in a horse.

Summary

# Arthroscopic Treatment of Temporomandibular Joint Sepsis in Horses Septic arthritis of the temporomandibular joint represents an uncommon but serious condition in equine practice, yet clinical guidance on optimal management has been limited. A 12-year-old Thoroughbred mare with confirmed TMJ sepsis underwent arthroscopic debridement and lavage via a stab incision into the dorsocaudal compartment of the dorsal joint pouch, followed by mechanical resection of synovium and fibrinous debris, copious irrigation, and both intra-articular and systemic antimicrobial therapy. The infection resolved successfully, with no clinical signs of degenerative joint disease or ankylosis detected eight months post-operatively—a notable outcome given the TMJ's critical role in mastication and the potential for chronic dysfunction. Standard arthroscopic equipment proved suitable for this procedure with minimal complications, establishing a viable minimally-invasive treatment protocol. For equine veterinarians encountering TMJ sepsis, arthroscopic evaluation combined with aggressive debridement and lavage represents a pragmatic first-line intervention worthy of consideration, particularly given the favourable prognosis achieved in this case and the anatomical accessibility of the joint via arthroscopic approach.

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Key Findings

• •Arthroscopic debridement and lavage combined with intra-articular and systemic antibiotics successfully resolved TMJ sepsis in a 12-year-old Thoroughbred mare
• •No clinical evidence of degenerative joint disease or ankylosis was present 8 months post-operatively
• •Standard arthroscopic equipment can be effectively used for TMJ management with minimal complications

Conditions Studied